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3 Pregame Mindset Strategies

Dr. Roy SugarmanOctober 24, 2013

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After clocking hours of practice and putting your body to the test, you're ready to take on the competition. Stay focused, ease tension, and solidify your game-day performance by getting your mind in the game with these simple strategies.

1. Use visualization.

How you visualize yourself performing can ease your mind and up your confidence. Before a game, think about your best game. Use all five of your senses to replay the best parts of the game. Then think about your worst game. Use your five senses to replay the game with a more positive outcome.

2. Perform the gratitude ritual.

Thinking about the things you're thankful for can help you put things in perspective. Before a big game, think about three things that you're most grateful for. It can be sports related or personal.

3. Control your breath.

As the excitement of the game approaches, your breathing and nerves can get out of control. Ease tension, calm your breathing, and focus on the task at hand with this simple breathing exercise. Breathe in for 6 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, and breathe out for 10 seconds. Do this for 3 minutes. For more breathing tips, read "Game-Day Breathing: Does it Work?"